Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    20 Oct 2026

    Creative geotechnical photography

    Inspired by her surroundings at RHS Rosemoor, where she was carrying out the ground investigation for a new educational facility, and with one eye on the Ruddlesden geotechnical site photograph of the year competition, Catherine Greed got creative with her site photography recently, framing the dynamic sampling rig within the last of the summer flowers.

    Creative geotechnical photography
  • Recent projects

    Sand Replacement Testing Undertaken to Validate Earthworks, Torbay

    Following the production of an earthworks specification, Ruddlesden geotechnical undertook in-situ sand replacement testing, to confirm the dry density of compacted material, and collected representative samples for geotechnical laboratory testing, to confirm the moisture content and suitability of the compacted material, to validate the deposition of materials during the construction of an embankment. The embankment was being constructed as part of a larger earthworks scheme, which formed the enabling works for a residential development in Paignton. Liaison with the groundworkers and client was key to the success of the earthworks. Delays in material placement, particularly during periods of inclement weather, can lead to excessive time delays and hence additional costs.

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  • Recent projects

    BRE DG 365 Soakaway Testing, Cornwall

    In-situ soakaway testing was undertaken in accordance with BRE DG 365, as part of a wider geotechnical investigation and contamination assessment for the residential redevelopment of land near Newquay, in Cornwall. The testing was undertaken using machine-excavated trial pits, with a tractor-towed water bowser used to provide the large volumes of water required for testing. Where practicable, Ruddlesden geotechnical use local plant hire firms and agricultural contractors for all of our ground investigation work. Ruddlesden geotechnical worked closely with the consulting engineers to ensure that sufficient information was provided for surface water drainage design. Due care was taken to appease local stakeholders, siting the test locations to minimise excessive disturbance to existing agricultural land and ensuring that all test locations were reinstated with the upmost care to mitigate against any future damage to agricultural plant and/ or livestock.

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